Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 20 January 2026
660. Deputy Pádraig Rice asked the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage to respond to matters raised in correspondence (details supplied); his views on the merits of amending existing first-time buyer supports in such cases; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [3982/26]
View answerWith reference to the circumstances outlined in the details supplied with this Question, while the individual in this case may not have access to the First Homes Scheme as a result of having had a beneficial interest in the property, they may be able to avail of other affordable supports including the Local Authority Affordable Purchase Scheme and the Local Authority Home Loan.
The eligibility requirements for the Local Authority Affordable Purchase Scheme (LAAPS) are set out in section 10 of the Affordable Housing Act 2021. Section 10(2)(b) & (c) specifies that it is a requirement that “none of the persons making the application has previously purchased or built a dwelling in the State” and “none of the persons making the application owns, or is beneficially entitled to an estate or interest in, any dwelling in the State or elsewhere.” This individual may, therefore, be able to access this Scheme if they meet the other eligibility criteria. Further information can be found here: affordablehomes.ie/affordable-purchase/about/.
This individual may also be able to avail of the Local Authority Home Loan provided they meet the other eligibility criteria of that loan. The Local Authority Home Loan is a Government-backed mortgage for first-time buyers and certain other credit-worthy applicants, who have been refused a mortgage or have been offered insufficient mortgage offers through a regular mortgage lender. The loan is for the purchase of new or second-hand residential properties and for self-builds. The Local Authority Home Loan is available nationwide from all local authorities. More information on the Local Authority Home Loan is available at the following link: localauthorityhomeloan.ie/.
This individual may also be able to apply for other affordable housing supports, that are not restricted to first-time buyers, including the Vacant Property Refurbishment Grant and Cost Rental. Further information, is available at the following link: www.gov.ie/en/campaigns/0d279-doors-open/.
The Help to Buy incentive is an initiative of Revenue and the Department of Finance, and does not come under the remit of my Department. Revenue and the Department of Finance should be contacted in relation to that scheme’s operation. Revenue can be contacted at the following link: www.revenue.ie/en/contact-us/index.aspx.
